Shoe Magic
illustrated by Terry Widener
Scholastic, 2000
ISBN 978-0-531-30286-6

Poems describe the different shoes children wear, including sandals, running shoes, golf shoes, and workboots.

Is It Far to Zanzibar? Poems About Tanzania
illustrated by Betsy Lewin
HarperCollins, 2000
ISBN 978-0-688-13157-9

Thirteen masterly poems by Nikki Grimes are illustrated with piquant watercolors by Betsy Lewin. From mist-and mystery-shrouded Mount Meru, to a young girl coming home to her family's relentless hospitality, to a hungry lion prowling the Serengeti Plain, to a bus crowded with squawking chickens and curious billy goats—not to mention people—Is It Far to Zanzibar? captures the sights, sounds and scenery of Tanzania.

Awards
Parents' Choice Award; Bank Street College Best Book of the Year

Aneesa Lee and the Weaver's Gift
illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Lothrop/HarperCollins, 1999
ISBN 978-0-688-15997-9

Thirteen interrelated poems and as many radiant illustrations create not only a celebration of the ancient art of weaving but a joyful exploration of how love and hard work can mesh separate threads—or separate people—into a harmonious whole.

Teaching guides are available for this title.

Awards
American Bookseller Pick-of-the-List; Parents' Choice Award; A Book Links Lasting Connection Book

Wild, Wild Hair
illustrated by George Ford
Cartwheel Books, 1997
ISBN 978-0-590-26590-4

In this rhyming story, an African American girl hides when it's time to comb and braid her hair.

Malcolm X: A Force For Change
Fawcett/Ballantine, 1992
ISBN 978-0-7857-0339-6
Please find this book in your local library.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Malcolm X challenged America to face the truth of its prejudice toward its African American citizens. Born in poverty in Lansing Michigan, he fell into a life of petty crime, until he discovered the Black Muslim religion in jail. Eventually, he turned his life around, continued to seek teachers, and instructed others too. His influence continues to be felt around the world.

Awards
NAACP Image Award Finalist

Something on My Mind
illustrated by Tom Feelings
The Dial Press, 1978
ISBN 978-0-14-054705-4
Please find this book in your local library.

Awards
American Library Association Notable Books, 1978-79; Saturday Review Best Books of the Season, 1978; Coretta Scott King Award, 1978; Philadelphia Enquirer Best Books of the Year; Library of Congress Children's Book; Ms. Magazine Books for Free Children, 1978

Growin', a novel
The Dial Press, 1977; reprinted in 1995 by Puffin
ISBN 978-0-14-037066-9
Please find this book in your local library.

Pump thinks her world has ended when her father, the only person who believed in her poetry, suddenly dies. That is, until she meets Jim Jim.

Awards
Child Study Association Best Books of the Year; 1980 Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee; Bank Street College Children's Book of the Year

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